COVID-19: EU to mobilise $296million in Pacific response package

The European Union (EU) will mobilise and redirect $296million (€119m) as part of its global response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Pacific.

A statement from the EU stated that 15 partner-Pacific islands countries and four European overseas countries and territories will benefit from this support.

It stated that its action would focus on strengthening partner countries’ health, water and sanitation systems, and their research and preparedness capacities to deal with the pandemic, as well as mitigating its socio-economic impact.

”The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest global challenge of our time,” EU Ambassador for the Pacific Sujiro Seam said in the statement.

“The EU recognises that it requires a global response, based on international cooperation and partnership.

“The EU will work with the countries and territories concerned, the international and regional organisations and other development partners to optimise this assistance.”

It will announce a detailed support program for the Pacific in the coming days.